FM: Romania, US agree to maintain American military presence

Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed during political and diplomatic consultations in Washington that the U.S. military presence in Romania will continue. Țoiu discussed the outcome in an interview with Antena 3 CNN.

“We agreed together that it is very important that this presence continues,” she said. “Its role is significant not only for Romania but for the region as a whole. The U.S. presence in NATO format in Romania has a deterrent effect against potential invasions and contributes to regional stability, particularly regarding neighbours who are not yet members of the EU or NATO. We also discussed arms production, current investments, and opportunities for future defence-related investments in Romania.”

Earlier, NBC reported, citing U.S. and European officials, that the Pentagon is considering withdrawing up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe, which is half of the 20,000 deployed by the previous U.S. administration in 2022 to countries bordering Ukraine. Romania currently hosts 1,700 U.S. troops, mainly at the Mihail Cogalniceanu airbase, as well as at the Deveselu and Câmpia Turzii bases.

When asked whether the U.S. troop presence in Romania would be increased, Țoiu said the Americans “have already made this decision,” which President Nicusor Dan previously informed Parliament about.

Dan had sent a letter to Parliament approving the deployment of refuelling aircraft, U.S. contingents with protective equipment, and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) planes at the 57th Mihail Cogalniceanu airbase.

The letter noted that “against the backdrop of the escalating situation in the Middle East, the U.S., to protect its capabilities and interests, has decided to increase the size of its forces in the region.”

Țoiu’s official visit to the United States took place on October 8–9.

By Tamilla Hasanova